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Baader H-Beta-Filter – the H-Alpha-Filter for visual observations!
The Baader H-Beta-Filter with 5.5nm halfband width is especially useful at telescopes with 8" or larger apertures or if you are working with large exit pupils. This narrowband-filter delivers a much higher contrast, compared to common visual H-beta-filters. H-Beta-nebule-filters with a wider half-width deliver a brighter image and will also show you e.g. the California nebula,but it won't be so clear, and you will miss many of its inner structures. Without any filter, this nebula (to name just one of many) will be completely invisible under brighter skies.
About Baader H-alpha Filters and why they aren't suited for visual observations
The development of narrow-band H-Alpha-filters soon proved to be a "Game-Changer" for Amateur-Astrophotographers. No other spectral line of emission nebulae will give you so much information for the creation of "pretty pictures" as this Hydrogen-line. This is supported by the better coatings, sensitive CCD-cameras, motorized focusers and last but not least the the incredible tracking precision of modern mounts, which allow for very long exposure times with very narrow-band filters. Modern images are often based on exposure times of 30 hours through the three common, very narrow-band nebula filters. But to make use of this, the mount must provide "subpixel"-tracking, the focuser must not flex even for a micron, and its motor must compensated for temperature changes by keeping the focus up to a fraction of a millimeter... All this is possible – but you need high-end equipment.
This is not necessary for visual observations. But unfortunately, we do not profit from those photographically wonderful filters when we are looking through the eyepiece – at low intensities at night, the human eye is almost blind for this part of the spectrum. During daylight, when there is plenty of light, we can easily see H-Alpha. But at night and low-light, we can't perceive these wavelengths. In contrast to a camera, our eyes also can't add upp the light.
Because of this, most visual observers use the well-known O III-filter. The human eye has got its highest sensitivity between 500nm and 520nm, where we can observe many structures in supernova-remnants, planetary nebulae and so on. But they are pretty useless for deep sky objects which shine mainly in H-alpha.
The alternative – Baader H-Beta filter for visual applications
For the H-alpha-objects mentioned above, the H-beta-line is a good option: At 486nm, it still quite close to the region of highest sensitivity of our eye. Because of quantum-mechanical coupling with H-Alpha, we can usually see the same structures. H-Beta-filters are much more efficient than O-III, because most nebulae emit hydrogen-light – although H-Beta is not as popular as H-Beta.A H-beta filter can be regarded as a visual H-Alpha-filter.
The H-Beta-spectrum is indeed very interesting. Quantum-mechanics define a fixed ratio between H-Alpha and H-Beta, but because of the shorter wavelengths, H-Beta has got a higher energy. That's why H-Beta suffers from a higher extinction rate in interstellar dust regions, which can easily be detected. The ratio between H-Beta and H-Alpha gives you information about the amount of dust between us and the source, which is especially interesting for scientific work. For astrophotography, you can scale down the intensity of H-Alpha to simulate an H-Beta-filter – and if you are observing with your eyepiece, you will see structures which were almost invisible before.
Visual observers profit from the fact that a H-Beta-filter can show the dust regions in hydrogen-emitting nebulae quite clearly, similar to a photographical H-Alpha-filter. Larger telescope apertures can even show the split-up into two lines – and the soft phase-out towards the edge.
The filter is almost as impressive when you are looking at the dust tails of comets. Especially light with shorter wavelengths will be scattered more in the dust tail, so that the contrast to its surroundings increases. Light with even shorter wave-lengths will be scattered even more, but our eye is not so sensitive for these parts of the spectrum. The true dimensions of the sometimes very long dust tail may only be recognizable in the eyepiece with the help of a H-Beta-filter. The H-Beta line is also outside of the prominent lines of the gas tail, so the dust tail can be better deiscerned from the gas tail – and the contrast is increased even more.
Conclusion:
A dielectric H-Beta-filter is no allround-filter like e.g. a Neodymium-Skyglow-filter. But it is the best available tool to see faint details, because you can visually see the dominating hydrogen emission lines in the sky – something which an O-III-filter can't show you. Together with an O-III-filter, it covers the most important spectral lines of emission nebulae and is an important tool for visual deep-sky-observers.
This new generation of Baader CMOS-filters features:
CMOS-optimized Baader Filters- Increased contrast
- Ever more narrow passbands
- Reflex-Blocker™ coatings, for largest ever freedom from halos, even under most adverse conditions concerning aux-optics
- FWHM on each filter category carefully designed to allow for 1:1:1 exposures, matched for typical CMOS quantum efficiency and s/n ratio
- Identical filter thickness to existing standards, with utmost care for parfocality
- Blackened edges all around, with filter-lead-side-indicator in the form of a black frontside outer rim, to additionally eliminate any reflection due to light falling onto the edge of a filter
- Each filter coated individually, with sealed coating edge (NOT cut out of a larger plate with coatings left exposed, read more)
- Life-Coat™: evermore hard coatings to enable a non-aging coating for life – even in a most adverse environment
Further information, test reviews, image results...
Don´t be misled.
These all new CMOS-optimized filters work magnificently with all existing digital camera technologies, be it CMOS or CCD. However – an owner of CCD-camera-technology will still find our previous, extremely affordable, narrowband filter technology to be fully apt for excellent imaging. But: "the Better always is enemy to the Good".
... can be found on our detailed Blogpost:
Baader Blogpost:
New CMOS-optimized Baader FiltersThis entry was posted on May 8, 2021 Last modified on February 28, 2024.
Baader Blogpost:
A report on visual use of the Baader H-Beta 5.5nm CMOS filterThis entry was posted on November 18, 2021 Last modified on October 6, 2023.
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HALOS – viewed without prejudice
What do you look for in an astronomical filter? Everyone has different requirements and goals and with a myriad of filters available today; how do you choose the right filters to unleash the full potential of Astrophotography?
In this blog our customer Ian Aiken gives some high level advice on what to look for when choosing a filter, coupled with reasoning why he choose the Baader's CMOS-Optimized LRGB and Ultra Narrowband f/2 filters, along with example LRGB and SHO images taken with these filters on his Celestron RASA 11 from his Bortle 7 suburban location.
New CMOS-optimized Baader filters
Blog Post by Ian Aiken:
I live in the North East of England in the United Kingdom, which experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild summers and cool winters. Cloudiness can vary throughout the year and it feels like I only get 20 usable clear nights per year at my Bortle 7 location during the 6 months where astronomical darkness actually occurs. I've been an Astrophotographer for over 20 years and I've had all kinds of telescopes, mounts, filters (including Optolong, Astro Hutech, Chroma, Baader) and cameras (Atik, QHYCCD, ZWO, Canon) in this time, for both planetary and deep sky photography. Financially, I've learnt the hard way through fine tuning my current collection to something which supports my sky conditions, budget, time, and imaging goals.
Currently I own a Skywatcher EQ8 mounted in my roll off roof observatory. On this I have a RASA 11 with Baader UFC, QHY268M camera and Baader's CMOS-Optimized LRGB and Ultra-Narrowband f/2 filters.
Here are the factors I've considered when choosing my filters:
- Price:
Assess the price of the product in relation to its features, quality, and performance. Is the price reasonable and competitive compared to similar products in the market? Consider whether the product offers significant advantages or unique features that justify its price.
In my opinion, Baader filters are absolutely value for money. They've kept the price competitive and performance high. A set of Baader filters costs a little more than a single Chroma. Chroma are good, but did not feel value for money in comparison (Baader 2" LRGB set ~ € 500 vs. Chroma LRGB ~ € 2.238). - Quality:
Examine the quality of the product. Does it meet your expectations in terms of durability, craftsmanship, and overall build quality? A product that is well-made and built to last will provide better long-term value.
Baader CMOS-Optimized filters come with Baader Planetarium's Life-Coat technology. Baader warrant the coatings for the life of the filter guaranteeing that the coatings will not peel, flake or physically degrade and they have no issues with you cleaning the filters with fine optical cleaning equipment. You can see the build quality is high, the coatings look durable, and I can understand how Baader can offer such a life time warranty. I don't think anyone else offers this. - Performance:
Evaluate how well the product performs its intended function. Does it deliver the expected results or fulfil your requirements? Consider its efficiency, accuracy, reliability, and any additional benefits it provides compared to alternative options.
I'm going to post some images later in this blog, and you can judge the quality for yourself. Yes, there were initial problems with halos and these have been resolved. I haven't had any issues that I am concerned about. Halos can be a real pain, and it's not always the filter that causes this (most cases it is not the filter). Reflections can occur in your imaging system and could be caused by a number of factors: including spacing between optical elements; distance to CMOS camera; the CMOS camera front window itself etc. You have to spend time to understand your entire optical system and its individual nuances. - Features and Specifications:
Review the features, specifications, and capabilities of the product. Are there any unique or advanced features that differentiate it from competing products? Determine whether these features are essential to your needs and whether they justify the price.
I opted for high-speed ultra-narrowband to match with my RASA 11. This was based upon my needs (explained a bit further below). In terms of features, what stood out was the features integrated into the filters to help prevent reflections and halos. For instance:
- Reflex-Blocker - with coatings to reduce halos caused by my imaging system.
- Parfocal - this helps to not have to refocus so much during a filter change. As a filter change is manual on my RASA 11 with the Baader UFC system, it means less movement with my motorised focuser and I am back to imaging quicker (and the focuser isn't off on some mission to reach focus by going further out of focus, which can happen when using an SCT type design).
- Blackened edges - again to help reduce reflections in my imaging system, lots of mirrors and glass = high potential for reflection
- Sealed Coating Edge - each filter is coated individually and not cut from a sheet. This is probably why they will last forever, and Baader are able to offer Life-Coat warranty.
- Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews:
Research the brand's reputation and customer reviews of the product. Look for feedback from other customers who have used the product to gain insights into its performance, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Positive reviews and a strong brand reputation can indicate better value for money.
Baader Planetarium have been in business since 1966. I've never experienced any poor customer care from dealers or Baader directly (I admit, I've not really had any issues either, with exception of one issues with the early Baader Steeltrack software which was swiftly resolved by Baader themselves). As a family run business, I feel they are passionate with what they do, and want to do the right thing at the right price, making astronomy accessible to all budget types, and truly are Aiders in Astronomy (this is their slogan).
- Longevity and Future Compatibility:
Consider the product's longevity and future compatibility. Will it remain relevant and usable for a reasonable period? Assess whether the product is upgradable or compatible with future advancements or technologies to ensure its value over time.
I have the older Baader 2" CCD filters which are in the same condition that I purchased them in. I have no concerns about the longevity of the Baader CMOS Optimised filters, especially backed by the Life-Coat warranty. 2" filters are going nowhere, and while the sensors on modern CMOS cameras are getting larger, I cannot see the need to upgrade anytime soon. I've been using 2" filters for the past 20 years.
- Warranty and Customer Support:
Evaluate the warranty offered by the manufacturer and the availability of customer support. A reliable warranty and responsive customer support can provide additional value by offering peace of mind and assistance in case of any issues or defects.
Baader offers Life-Coat, a lifetime warranty on their CMOS-Optimized filters (providing used and handled correctly). As a family run business operating for over 50 years, Baader are trustworthy and offer great customer support.
- Personal Needs and Preferences:
Finally, consider how well the product aligns with your specific needs, preferences, and intended use. Different products may cater to different requirements, so it's essential to choose one that best suits your circumstances and priorities.
What did I choose?
I decided on the Ultra Narrowband High-Speed filters on my RASA 11. Why? Well, the reasoning may surprise you. While the filters are excellent value for money, my garden backs onto other gardens and my neighbours have lots of LED lights lit, especially on weekends when it's not windy, the moon is not out, and the sky conditions are good. You can picture the challenges already. Also, there are trees which do not belong to me which get in the way. I work full time, and have two small children, time is limited. I'm middle-aged, but not retired, so I cannot stay up all night imaging into the early hours. So, I went for a RASA for high speed imaging, reducing my imaging time significantly. While I may image across multiple nights, I don't need to. It just works for my current situation. The Baader filters are brilliant on the RASA 11, and I'm able to produce some excellent results (see further in the blog) even with all my challenges.
I hope the above helps you make a decision on what filters would be good for your needs. Baader Planetarium has a really nice tool to help you match which filters would be best for your imaging system. At time of writing you can access this tool: Baader Narrowband-/Highspeed Filter Selector
Example of Astrophotography taken with Baader CMOS Optimized Filters
I could talk about how tight the stars are (they are), how the filters have much more contrast than their predecessors (they do), but this can still be very subjective and influenced by sky conditions. My skies aren't great, they really aren't, and I have to battle with all the other issues living in a suburban environment. These images were also shot in reasonably poor conditions with thin haze. I also have to point out that I don't spend a massive amount of time processing my images. I think partly, if you capture good data you can produce a good image. You don't, in my opinion, need to push an imagine in processing so that it looks so bright and colourful. To me this looks over processed, and I prefer the darker looking style images with simple histogram and curves transformations. There's the disclaimers out of the way.
My workflow consists of using PixInsight to Calibrate, Stack, Automatic Background Neutralisation, BlurXterminate, NoiseXterminate, and maybe StarXterminate. I may use TGV Denoise post stretching but haven't on these examples. I simply use the ScreenTransferFunction (STF) in PI applied to the Histogram, and a hint of Curves Transformation before exporting off into a PNG/JPG. There's probably so much more I could do, but I don't. Oh, I nearly forgot. I do use PhotometricColorCalobration in PixInsight, which applies a white balance to the image.
NGC 7023 - The Iris Nebula 2 hour integration from Bortle 7 sky
NGC 7023, also known as the Iris Nebula, is a captivating and visually striking celestial object located in the constellation Cepheus. This reflection nebula lies approximately 1,300 light-years away from Earth, and its unique features have made it a favourite target for amateur and professional astronomers alike. The Iris Nebula gets its name from the distinct shape and appearance of its central region, which resembles an iris or an eye. This prominent feature is created by a dense cloud of interstellar dust, which scatters and reflects the light emitted by nearby stars. The dust particles in the nebula also create intricate dark filaments, adding to its overall visual allure. At the heart of NGC 7023 lies a young star cluster, illuminating the surrounding gas and dust with its intense radiation. This interaction gives rise to the vibrant hues of blue and yellow seen in many astro photographs of the nebula.
Imaging System: QHY286M CMOS Camera mounted on RASA 11 with Baader UFC.
Filters: Baader CMOS Optimised LRGB
Mount: Skywatcher EQ8
Exposure Details: 30 x 60 seconds each channel (LRGB). Total 2 hours integration time from Bortle 7 skies.
NGC 7023 - Baader UV IR CMOS-Optimized used for Luminance in LRGB image. 
NGC 7023 - Baader R CMOS-Optimized 
NGC 7023 - Baader G CMOS-Optimized 
NGC 7023 - Baader B CMOS-Optimized 
NGC 7023 - LRGB with Stars (I'm not sorry for not pushing the colour on this) 
NGC 7023 - LRGB reduced Stars 
NGC 7023 - LRGB without Stars 
NGC 7023 - LRGB without Stars (OK - I pushed the colour saturation a little!) NGC 7635 - The Bubble Nebula 17 Hour Integration from Bortle 7 Sky
NGC 7635, famously known as the Bubble Nebula, is a captivating and visually stunning emission nebula located in the constellation Cassiopeia. Its unique structure and distinct appearance have made it a popular target for both amateur and professional astronomers. The Bubble Nebula derives its name from the spherical bubble-like structure at its center, which is created by the powerful stellar wind and radiation emitted by a massive, hot, and young central star. This star, known as BD+60 2522, is estimated to be several times more massive than our Sun and emits intense ultraviolet radiation, which ionizes the surrounding hydrogen gas. The ionized gas then emits light, creating the striking reddish glow seen in images of the nebula.
Imaging System: QHY286M CMOS Camera mounted on RASA 11 with Baader UFC.
Filters: Baader CMOS Optimised 3.5/4nm f/2 Ultra Highspeed (Ultra-Narrowband) filters.
Mount: Skywatcher EQ8
Exposure Details: Ha: 354x60s, SII: 121x60s & 104x120s, OIII: 175x120s. Total ~17 hours integration time from Bortle 7 skies.Don't ask why the varying exposure! I'd also like to collect more data on SII and OIII in due course given it's about half of what I planned and need. You can tell by the images more is needed. Maybe next time, right? Astrophotography is for life not just for Christmas, or something like that…
I mixed the combination using PixelMath in PixInsight.
NGC 7635 - Baader f/2 3.5nm Ha CMOS-Optimized 
NGC 7635 - Baader f/2 4nm OIII CMOS-Optimized 
NGC 7635 - Baader f/2 4nm SII CMOS-Optimized 
NGC 7635 - RGB/SHO Combination with Stars 
NGC 7635 - RGB/SHO Combination with Reduced Stars 
NGC 7635 - RGB/SHO Combination without Stars 
NGC 7635 - RGB/SHO Combination Crop And finally to finish off, M45 taken with Baader CMOS-Optimized LRGB on same kits as above.
M45 taken with Baader CMOS-Optimized LRGB - Price:
